Jennifer Finch, the bassist, songwriter, singer and photographer best known for her work with the grunge-era riot grrl legends L7, died last week at age 59 after being diagnosed with aggressive brain cancer, the band announced on Saturday.
Her tragic illness had been revealed publicly less than a week earlier, making her death particularly shocking to fans who had not realized how seriously ill she had become.
“With a very heavy heart we announce that our beloved bandmate, friend, and fellow troublemaker Jennifer Finch has passed away today,” the band wrote on its Instagram page. “She had a long courageous fight with brain cancer and was loved by many wonderful friends, musical peers and fans worldwide. We love you Jennifer.”
Finch was born on August 5, 1966, and grew up in West Los Angeles. She belonged to the punk community beginning in her teens, initially as a photographer. Her pictures captured musicians and friends from the LA underground scene before many of them peaked.
Her first notable band was Sugar Babydoll, a short-lived San Francisco group that also included Hole founder Courtney Love and Babes in Toyland founder Kat Bjelland in the mid-’80s.
Finch subsequently joining L7 in 1986 solidifying a band that would defy labels. Were they punk? Grunge? Riot grrls? Alternative?
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